Framed Silk Sleeve Embroidery with Beloved Four Season Flowers
Framed Silk Sleeve Embroidery with Beloved Four Season Flowers
19th Century, Shanxi Province, Northern China
Silk Embroidery
This delicate silk embroidery was most likely part of a lady's sleeve cuff, beautifully preserved. In a sweet pastel palette against a light cream background, a burgeoning grove of four distinct flowers rise up, designed in shades of blushing pink, deep blue, and white. Forming the main thicket at the center are large peony flowers with petals that unfold with volume. A lone light green chrysanthemum hovers on the upper left. A branch of plum blossoms graces below, while finally, at the bottom is a lotus plant with it's large oval leaf.
Each flower has its own unique meaning and character, and together, they charmingly represent the four seasons: peony for spring, chrysanthemum for autumn, plum blossom for winter, and lotus for summer.
Dimensions with Frame
Width: 28 cm / 11 inches
Height: 62 cm / 24.25 inches